Jamil Azar, a pioneering journalist who shaped Arabic-language broadcasting for more than five decades, died January 4, 2026.
Azar, who authored Al Jazeera’s enduring motto “The opinion and the other opinion,” left an indelible mark on Arab media through his work at two of the world’s most influential news organizations. His career spanned more than 20 years at Al Jazeera and decades at the BBC, establishing him as a central figure in the evolution of Arabic journalism during a transformative period for broadcast media.
Director-General Sheikh Nasser bin Faisal Al Thani praised him as a “distinguished linguist” in a statement released following his death.
“Jamil Azar leaves behind a remarkable and lasting media legacy, a reputation defined by integrity and excellence, and a deep influence on generations of journalists who learned from him at Al Jazeera and other institutions where he served and helped shape professional standards,” Sheikh Nasser said. “He was, in every sense, a living school of journalism and a trusted reference in editorial practice, the Arabic language, television presentation, and newsroom leadership.”
Born in 1937 in al-Husn, Irbid, Jordan, Azar began his professional life far from the newsroom. He started his career in 1954 as a biology and maths teacher, demonstrating the academic rigor that would later distinguish his journalistic work. His transition to journalism came in 1965 when he joined the BBC Arabic Service, marking the beginning of a distinguished broadcasting career that would span continents and decades.
During his time at the BBC from 1965 to 1996, Azar held multiple positions that showcased his versatility and editorial acumen. He worked as a news translator and presenter, roles that required both linguistic precision and on-air presence. He also served as Arabic news editor, a position that placed him at the center of editorial decision-making for one of the world’s most respected news organizations.
Azar’s production work at the BBC included several significant programs that addressed political and media issues affecting the Arab world. He produced “Politics Between the Questioner and the Respondent” and “Arab Affairs in the British Press,” programs that examined regional politics and Western media coverage of Arab affairs. His reporting assignments included covering the 1967 state visit of King Faisal of Saudi Arabia to the United Kingdom, a diplomatic event of considerable significance during a period of regional tension.
The year 1996 marked a pivotal transition in Azar’s career. He joined Al Jazeera at its launch on July 30, 1996, becoming part of the founding team that would transform Arabic-language news broadcasting. The network’s emergence represented a watershed moment for Arab media, introducing a new model of journalism to the region that emphasized multiple perspectives and editorial independence.
At Al Jazeera, Azar assumed roles of increasing responsibility and influence. He served as chief anchor, a position that made him one of the network’s most recognizable voices during its formative years. He also held the position of editor-in-chief and served as an editorial board member, roles that allowed him to shape the network’s editorial direction and professional standards.
Azar hosted “The Week in the News,” a program that became a staple of Al Jazeera’s programming during its early years. His on-air presence combined linguistic sophistication with journalistic authority, qualities that earned him respect across the Arab world and established him as one of the longest-serving news anchors globally.
Perhaps Azar’s most enduring contribution to Al Jazeera was conceptual rather than operational. He authored the network’s motto, “The opinion and the other opinion,” a phrase that encapsulated the organization’s commitment to presenting multiple perspectives on contentious issues. This editorial philosophy distinguished Al Jazeera from state-controlled media outlets that dominated the Arab media landscape at the time and helped establish the network as a platform for diverse voices and viewpoints.
Azar stepped down from Al Jazeera in 2011, concluding more than two decades of service to the network. His departure marked the end of an era for an organization he had helped build from its inception into a global news powerhouse with reach across multiple continents and platforms.
Sheikh Nasser’s tribute emphasized Azar’s personal qualities alongside his professional achievements, noting his humility, openness, and generosity with guidance and advice. The director-general described him as someone who remained steadfastly loyal to Al Jazeera and deeply committed to its values, standing, and reputation throughout his tenure and beyond.
The impact of Azar’s career extended beyond his individual accomplishments. His work at both the BBC and Al Jazeera spanned a period of profound change in Arabic media, from the dominance of state-controlled broadcasting to the emergence of satellite television and digital platforms. His commitment to professional standards and editorial integrity helped establish benchmarks for Arabic journalism that influenced subsequent generations of reporters, editors, and anchors.
Throughout his career, Azar demonstrated mastery of the Arabic language that set him apart in the broadcasting field. His linguistic precision and eloquence became hallmarks of his on-air work, contributing to his reputation as a distinguished linguist. This expertise proved particularly valuable in journalism, where precise language serves as the foundation for accurate reporting and clear communication.
Sheikh Nasser noted that with Azar’s passing, Arab media “loses one of its most respected figures and Al Jazeera bids farewell to one of its brightest and most influential stars.” The statement reflected the widespread recognition of Azar’s contributions to journalism and his role in shaping modern Arabic broadcasting.
Azar is survived by his wife and two children. His legacy encompasses not only his own distinguished body of work but also his influence on the journalists he mentored and the professional standards he helped establish at institutions that continue to shape global news coverage.
